"To go in the dark with a light is to know the light.
To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight,
and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings,
and is traveled by dark feet and dark wings."
-Wendell Barry
Wintering.
The term is coming up everywhere in my life right now. Yes, it is technically about to physically be Winter, marked by the Solstice. December 21st is the shortest day of the year, marking the beginning of a time of hibernation and going inward.
But, Wintering is also coming up for me emotionally, spiritually, and vocationally.
Winter is the time to cut cords.
In nature, the leaves have fallen, the earth is cold and hardened, and it is time for everything to rest and reset before the next growth season. But, that doesn’t mean that work does not happen below Mother Earth’s surface.
In a spiritual or personal development context, "Wintering" refers to the metaphorical period of introspection, rest, renewal, and transformation. A necessary phase for inner rejuvenation and preparation for the "Springtime" of growth and new beginnings. It was only last year that I began intentionally leaning in - reminding my authentic self that it actually enjoys a lot of the essence and energetics this season has to bring: stillness, quiet, going inward, hibernating, and being warm.
Up until recently, I identified myself as a Summer girl, but as I age, I am realizing that the slowness of both Fall and Winter actually suit my nervous system. An upgrade I am still trying to navigate.
Wintering principles:
Cord Cutting: Winter is often seen as a time to shed old, outdated ways of thinking, being, or doing. This can mean letting go of old habits, patterns, or even relationships that no longer serve you in order to make room for transformation or new ways of living. This is often the reason people start “New Year’s resolutions”, vowing to let go of things that no longer serve them. Much like the leaves and petals falling from trees and bushes.
Inner Work: The cold, quiet winter months can symbolize a deep inward journey. You may feel drawn to spend time in solitude, meditate, or engage in practices that help you understand yourself on a deeper level. It’s a period for re-evaluating your purpose, authentic self, intentions, and core values. A great time to purchase a new tarot deck or hire a coach! :)
Preparation for New Growth: Though it may feel like nothing is happening on the surface during a spiritual Winter, underneath, important internal shifts are taking place. Just as seeds are quietly germinating beneath the soil during winter, spiritual Wintering can be a time of preparing the ground for future growth, insights, and new opportunities. This year, I raked leaves all over my garden beds, rather than picking them up. These leaves will compost, turning the soil more nutrient rich for the next growth season. Similarly, we compost what no longer serves us, instead using those past experiences to make new growth happen for us.
Embracing Darkness and your Shadow: Wintering can also involve facing the darker, more challenging aspects of life, such as grief, doubt, or confusion. It’s a process of accepting that growth often happens in cycles and that even during times of apparent darkness, there is still potential for transformation and enlightenment. For me, this is the hardest work.
In the spirit of this, I am offering a FREE Wintering Ritual on the New Moon, Monday, December 30th from 10-11:30am PST.
It’s called BECOMING WELL.
We will:
Ground in a short breath work practice, live journal, do an energetic cord cutting ritual, and future cast for 2025’s season of renewal, growth, decay, & rest.
You will need:
A quiet space for 90 minutes of reflection, a journal and your favorite pen, something to burn such as cedar, palo santo, sage etc, and a candle to light.
This is a free digital offering, and you can join with your camera on or off — whatever serves you best. You will not be asked to participate in any way. I am just here to hold space for you, guiding you through your process to unfold as it will as we enter into Winter and a New Year. If you can not attend at this time, there will also be a recording sent to anyone who signs up.
Will you join me?
If you cannot join (or can!) here are a few more Wintering ideas as we enter into this new season:
A New Morning Beverage Routine: Start the day with a new beverage routine. I have significantly reduced my caffeine intake in the past 1.5 years (hello less anxiety) and love drinks like Bone Broth Hot Chocolate (hint, a new recipe might be dropping for this next week), Golden Milk, Matcha, or a London Fog.
A candlelit evening: When the sun goes down, enjoy the evening by candlelight. I love the color and texture of how pure beeswax candles drip and these are super cute, if you are looking for something more colorful.
A Warming Meal: This creamy chicken soup made with homemade broth and some crusty bread is what is for dinner.
A Winter Bath Soak: Combine 3 cups of Epsom Salt with about 1.5 cups of coarse Himalayan Sea Salt and 1/2 cup baking soda, then add 20 drops of essential oils (Eucalyptus and Grapefruit or Lavender and Orange) and 3T dried flower petals or fresh herbs and mix. Makes 8 x ½ c. soaks, and is also a really good stocking stuffer! Just add it to a mason jar with a piece of twine and sprig of woody herb.
A Journal Session: It wouldn’t be my newsletter without an offering of self-inquiry journal prompts. Light a candle, drink some tea, draw a bath, and journal on these questions:
What did I learn about myself this Fall? How did I feel? How did I grow?
What intentions do I want to set for Winter? How do I want to feel? How do I want to grow?
What is something I want to begin? What is something I want to continue? What is something I need to stop?
Finally, I am taking on only two new coaching clients in January. I am moving to a retainer based model with the intention of more 1:1 time with each client during our time together as well as more custom offerings for each person’s needs. I offer a free discovery session, which you can book at your leisure, to learn more about my offerings, style and how we could work together. If you are feeling called, let’s chat. There is zero obligation to move forward, and I love getting to know where you all are at so I can work on my programming to fit your needs.
My coaching holistically integrates transformational life coaching, leadership/career/business guidance, spiritual awakening, and holistic health and wellness in a therapeutic-esque, support-driven approach. I draw on a variety of modalities, including personal development techniques, mindfulness practices, somatic experiencing, energy work, and science-based exercises to foster growth and well-being.
Coaching is different from therapy for a multitude of reasons, but namely because it is a present and future practice. We future cast, help with your unique performance goals, clarify your vision, and achieve specific objectives created by you. I don’t treat or diagnose medical conditions, but instead work to optimize skills, behavior, and personal development.
Topics we can address include:
Let me know how YOU are Wintering this season.
Be Well,
KBW